June 12: Sokoto first female elected Councillor advocates greater women’s political participation
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Hajiya Surayya Abubakar Margai, the first elected female Councillor in Sokoto State, has called on Nigerian leaders to put in place mechanisms that will encourage more women to participate in politics and governance.
Our Correspondent in Sokoto reports that the former Lawmaker spoke on Thursday in Sokoto at the maiden Democracy Day Lecture and Book Presentation in honour of her late grand mother, Hajiya Tuni Margai, a prominent women activist, politician, business mogul and large-scale farmer.
Our Correspondent also reports that the lecturer was themed, ‘ Local Beats, Global Standards: Nigeria’s Gender Inclusion and Development Implications’.
The epochal lecture was organized by the Sokoto State University, with the partnerships of the Centre for Black and Arts and Civilization, Effective Governance Research Institute (EGRI) and the Productive Community for Sustainable Development Initiative (PCSDI).
She noted that cultural and societal challenges often discourage women, especially in conservative communities such as Sokoto, from seeking elective political positions.
According to her, support and encouragement from political leaders remain critical in boosting women’s confidence to actively participate in politics.
“Encouragement from our leaders will always serve as a ladder for women to participate in politics and even perform better,” she said.
Margai recalled that she became the first elected female councillor in Sokoto State in 2008 after receiving support and encouragement from political leaders, particularly Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North), who was then the state governor.
“I am a politician and I know how it happened to me when I became a councillor in my ward.
“The encouragement and support I received gave me the courage to contest and win the election,” she said.
The former councillor, who represented Margai B Ward in Kebbe Local Government Area, stressed that many women across the country have played significant roles in addressing critical societal issues and contributing to national development.
She argued that Nigeria’s democracy could not achieve its full potential without the active involvement of women in decision-making processes and governance.
“Women deserve greater representation in politics and appointments across all sectors of governance so they can contribute their quota to the country’s democratic development,” she said.
Margai also commended Nigeria’s 27 years of democratic governance, saying it had brought significant progress in citizen participation, empowerment, policy formulation and freedom of expression.
She expressed optimism that with increased support and inclusive policies, more women would emerge as leaders and contribute meaningfully to strengthening the nation’s democracy.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of
Productive Community for Sustainable Development Initiative (PCSDI), Nura Bello, said that the conference was designed to provide a platform for scholars, policymakers, development practitioners, civil society organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on gender inclusion and its implications for sustainable development in Nigeria.
He said, “The event will explore strategies for promoting equitable representation, inclusive governance, and gender-responsive policies that align with global development standards while addressing local realities.
“It will contribute significantly to advancing dialogue and action toward a more inclusive and sustainable society.”
